VCM Music Festival
Each year, the Vancouver Conservatory of Music welcomes musicians from different cultures and backgrounds for an educational music festival. This event aims to motivate, encourage, and educate students while developing a spirit of camaraderie and commitment to the art of performance. Participants will also have the opportunity to receive feedback from our faculty members, who supports students in improving their technique, maximizing their artistic expression and setting goals for the year ahead.
As part of the VCM Music Festival, a “Certificate of Appreciation” will be awarded to the performer or group of performers with the highest commitment to practice throughout the year and their outstanding festival performance.
The VCM Educational Music Festival is a public music event and is open to all music enthusiasts. It will be held in early July every year and will take place in the Coquitlam area. Performances are to begin at 5 p.m.
Deadline
For the next festival, the deadline to submit the recital request form is May 30, 2026. As adjustments may be made throughout the year based on feedback from our students and faculty members, please ensure to review the policy and eligibility requirements before submitting your form.
Contact
For more information, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at vancomus@gmail.com.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Musicians of all instruments, voices, and composers are welcome to participate.
- Must meet the minimum repertoire requirements.
Age Categories
- Children (Ages 5 to 9)
- Adolescents (Ages 10 to 18)
- Adults (+18)
Repertoire Requirements
- Children (Ages 5 to 9)
- Performers: Two to four pieces from preliminary methods
- Adolescents (Ages 10 to 18) and adults (+18)
- Performers: One VCM or RCM repertoire piece and one optional selection.
- Composers: two pieces for piano or small ensemble.
VCM Music Festival 2022 |
VCM Music Festival 2023 |
VCM Music Festival 2024 |  VCM Music Festival 2025 |
Festival policy
- All students participating in a concert will be required to be on time 30 minutes prior to the concert start time to park and relax. It is not necessary to arrive any earlier unless there is a rehearsal scheduled with an ensemble or accompanist.
- Each student will be charged a $150 non-refundable fee per festival, and for non-registered students will be $ 240. This will cover student recital fees for using facilities (Grand piano, digital piano synthesizers, and ….), photography, videography and student supplements. In addition, the ticket price for the families, relatives and guests will be $25 per person.
- Participation in the VCM festival is chosen by teacher nomination. Attendance is strongly encouraged for all students.
- Student dress rehearsals can only be scheduled two weeks prior to the recital date if needed.
- If there are any cancellations you will be notified via email to festival@vancomusic.ca.
- If you cannot arrive on time and stay for the full recital, then please do not sign up for that recital time. We understand there are many activities going on, but it is not proper concert etiquette, nor is it fair to the other performers and guests.
- Turn off all cell phones and any electronic devices that may produce sound.
- Once the recital begins, please listen and be quiet. Fussing babies or young children should be taken out to minimize distractions for the performers and other audience members.
- Please remain seated during the performance. If for any reason you need to leave, switch seats or re-enter the hall, please do so between performers during applause.
- If a composition or suite includes more than one movement, please hold applause until the end of the last movement.
- Families are encouraged to stay until the performance or event is completely over. Attending a recital so that other families will serve as audience to your student, and then leaving before the other performers have finished is disrespectful.
The deadline to submit the recital request form is May 30, 2026.
Please fill up the form below, including the student’s information, to ensure all details are correct
- The student’s name on the certificate of appreciation and trophy will appear as below.
- Festival details will be sent to the email listed below.
Student Recital Etiquette
Student recitals can be tremendously fun and valuable experiences for all performers. Although, they can be a source of stress and anxiety if preparations are incomplete and inevitable practices are not followed. There are behavioural guidelines for all performers, and audience members should follow them during the VCM festival.
Guidelines for Performers
- It is recommended that performers wear suitable clothing.
- Remember to practice beforehand in your outfit, shoes included.
- Once it is your turn, rise quickly and walk up to the stage. Adjust the bench or chair (without presenting your back to the audience), then pause, concentrate, and begin when you are ready.
- Performers are encouraged to bow at the beginning and end of the performance to acknowledge the audience’s applause.
- Arrive at the requested time to learn where you are to sit and receive any instructions for the performance.
- Once the recital begins, please listen and be quiet. Respect the other performers. Unnecessary noise from whispering, talking, candy wrappers, etc., during a program, is unacceptable.
Guidelines for Audience Members
- Recitals are a special occasion, so dress nicely is customary.
- Please arrive at the requested time to park and find a comfortable place to sit.
- Turn off all cell phones and any electronic devices that may produce sound.
- Once the recital begins, please listen and be quiet. Fussing babies or young children should be taken out to minimize distractions for the performers and other audience members.
- If you arrive late, please wait to enter between pieces when you hear applause.
- Please remain seated during the performance. If, for any reason, you need to leave, switch seats or re-enter the hall, please do so between performers during applause.
- The soloist will bow, and your response is to applaud politely! Whistling, yelling, or other loud methods of congratulations, especially before the performance, are inappropriate. The best way to show appreciation for the performance is with thunderous applause and an occasional “bravo” at the end of especially outstanding performance.
- If a composition includes more than one movement, please hold applause until the end of the last movement.
- Families are encouraged to stay to receive certificates and trophies until the festival is over. Besides, attending a recital, so that other family will serve as an audience to your student and then leaving before the other performers have finished is disrespectful.
Appreciate! Your presence is the most significant affirmation!
The VCM Educational Music Festival is a publicly accessible educational and cultural event designed to promote musical excellence and community engagement. The festival is held annually in early July in the Coquitlam area and welcomes audiences with a broad interest in music and the performing arts. All scheduled performances commence at 5:00 p.m.
Deadline
For the upcoming festival, the deadline to submit the recital request form is May 30, 2026. As policies and eligibility requirements may be updated throughout the year based on feedback from students and faculty, applicants are encouraged to review the most current guidelines prior to submitting their form.
Contact
If you would like more information, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at festival@vancomusic.ca.
Eligibility & Participation Requirements
The VCM Educational Music Festival is open to performers and composers of all instruments and voice types. Participation is subject to meeting the minimum repertoire requirements outlined below.
Age Categories
-
Children: Ages 5–9
-
Adolescents: Ages 10–18
-
Adults: 18 years and above
Repertoire Requirements
Children (Ages 5–9)
-
Performers: One to two pieces.
Adolescents (Ages 10–18) and Adults (18+)
-
Performers: One to two pieces, including at least one selection from the VCM or RCM repertoire.
-
Composers: One original work written for piano or a small ensemble.
Festival Policy
Arrival & Attendance
All participating students are required to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the scheduled concert start time to allow sufficient time for parking, preparation, and relaxation. Earlier arrival is not required unless a rehearsal with an ensemble or accompanist has been specifically scheduled.
Participation in the VCM Educational Music Festival is by teacher nomination. Attendance is strongly encouraged for all eligible students.
Students are expected to remain for the entire duration of the recital.
Fees & Admission
A non-refundable festival participation fee applies per student and per festival:
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Registered VCM students: $150
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Non-registered students: $240
The participation fee covers recital-related expenses, including:
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Use of facilities and instruments (e.g., grand piano, digital piano, synthesizers)
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Professional photography and videography
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Student materials and supplements
Admission tickets for family members, relatives, and guests are priced at $27 per person.
Rehearsals
Student dress rehearsals, if required, may be scheduled no earlier than two weeks prior to the recital date and are subject to availability.
Cancellations & Communication
In the event of a cancellation or schedule change, participants will be notified via email. All official festival communications will be sent from:
festival@vancomusic.ca
Concert Etiquette
To ensure a respectful and professional concert environment, all audience members are expected to observe the following guidelines:
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All mobile phones and electronic devices must be turned off or silenced.
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Audience members should remain quiet and attentive throughout the performance.
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Infants or young children who become disruptive should be temporarily escorted outside to minimize distractions.
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Please remain seated during performances. Entering, exiting, or changing seats should occur only between performers and during applause.
-
If a work consists of multiple movements, applause should be held until the conclusion of the final movement.
Families are encouraged to remain until the recital or event has fully concluded. Please note that the trophy and awards ceremony takes place at the conclusion of the concert; therefore, family members are kindly requested to be present in the hall during the final hour of the event.
The deadline to submit the recital request form is May 30, 2026. Please fill up the form below, including the student’s information, to ensure all details are correct
- The student’s name on the certificate of appreciation and trophy will appear as follows.
- Festival details will be sent to the email listed below.
Student Recital Etiquette
Student recitals are joyful and meaningful experiences for performers and audiences alike. They provide students with valuable performance opportunities, helping them build confidence, discipline, and musical expression. However, to ensure a positive and respectful environment for everyone, certain performance and audience etiquette guidelines must be observed.
Guidelines for Performers
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Performers are expected to wear appropriate, neat, and comfortable concert attire.
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Please practice in your performance outfit in advance, including shoes, to ensure comfort and confidence on stage.
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When it is your turn, rise promptly and walk calmly to the stage.
-
Adjust the bench or chair discreetly, without turning your back to the audience.
-
Take a brief moment to pause, focus, and begin only when you are fully ready.
-
Performers are encouraged to bow at the beginning and at the end of their performance to acknowledge the audience.
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Please arrive at the designated time to receive seating instructions and performance guidance.
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Once the recital begins, performers must remain quiet and attentive while others are performing.
-
Whispering, talking, or unnecessary noise (including candy wrappers or devices) during performances is not acceptable and shows disrespect to fellow performers.
Guidelines for Audience Members
-
Recitals are special occasions; dressing neatly and appropriately is customary.
-
Please arrive on time to allow sufficient time for parking and seating.
-
All cell phones and electronic devices must be turned off or silenced before the recital begins.
-
During performances, audience members are expected to remain quiet and attentive.
-
If babies or young children become disruptive, please step outside the hall to minimize distractions.
-
Late arrivals should wait and enter the hall only between performances, during applause.
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Please remain seated throughout the performance. If you need to leave, change seats, or re-enter the hall, do so only between performers and during applause.
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Applause is the appropriate response to a performance. Whistling, shouting, or loud exclamations—especially before or during a performance—are discouraged.
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“Bravo” is appropriate at the end of an outstanding performance, accompanied by enthusiastic applause.
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If a piece consists of multiple movements, please hold your applause until the final movement is completed.
-
Families are kindly encouraged to remain until the end of the recital to support all performers and to receive certificates and trophies. Leaving immediately after your own child’s performance is considered discourteous to other students.
